This Day in Music

On September 291979, The Police scored their first No.1 hit in the UK with “Message In A Bottle.” The song also topped the charts in Ireland and reached No. 5 in Australia, but despite its popularity in England and Ireland, “Message In A Bottle” puzzlingly stalled in the US, topping out at No.74. Later, however, it would go on to become one of the most celebrated songs in the band’s sterling discography.

In 2018, Blues Hall of Famer Otis Rush died at 84. The legendary guitarist, singer, songwriter, and famous lefty was known for his distinctive guitar playing, as heard in such hits as “I Can’t Quit You Baby,” “Double Trouble,” and “All Your Love (I Miss Loving).”

In 1956, early rock’n’roll star Bill Haley celebrated five hit singles in the UK Top 30, including “Rock Around the Clock,” “See You Later Alligator,” and “Hot Dog Buddy Buddy,” which led at No.4.

In 1984, Prince and the Revolution began a two-week run at the top of the US Pop chart with “Let’s Go Crazy.” The track became Prince’s second No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, while also topping the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Dance Club Play charts, proving the song’s versatility.

In 1973, Grand Funk Railroad soared to No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “We’re An American Band.” The song marked the group’s first of two US chart toppers – the other being “The Loco-Motion.”

BORN ON SEPTEMBER 29

1907: Gene Autry
1930: Billy Strange (Wrecking Crew)
1935: Jerry Lee Lewis
1948: Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad)
1958: Mick Harvey (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds)
1967: Brett Anderson (Suede)
1987: Joshua Farro (Paramore)
1994: Halsey